Macron visits Madagascar to boost ties and resolve disputes
French President Macron visits Madagascar, marking the first French leadership trip in 20 years, focusing on economic ties and historical disputes.
Ivory Coast bars top opposition leaders before key election
With just six months before Ivory Coast heads to the polls, major opposition leaders have been barred from running, igniting political tension. Among the excluded is Tidjane Thiam, the 62-year-old head of the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast (PDCI), who recently renounced his French citizenship to qualify. A court ruling on Tuesday declared Thiam had forfeited his Ivorian nationality upon acquiring French citizenship in 1987—an irreversible verdict. Thiam, a former international banker absent from the political scene for decades, insists he remains the sole candidate for his party. “This ordeal will either make him back down, or harden his political armour,” said political analyst Ousmane Zina of the University of Bouaké. PDCI officials have called for nationwide demonstrations Thursday, seen as a critical test of Thiam’s grassroots strength and political relevance. Legal expert Geoffroy Kouao said the party could seek a revision of the electoral list but warned that it “isn’t going to be easy.” Thiam’s exclusion follows a pattern: other prominent opposition figures have also been sidelined, including former president Laurent Gbagbo. Gbagbo, 79, was removed from the race due to a 20-year prison sentence related to the deadly post-election crisis of 2010–2011. Once-powerful figures like Charles Blé Goudé and ex-premier Guillaume Soro remain in exile, also disqualified by court rulings. Analysts say the opposition may struggle to unite under a single banner, weakening its ability to challenge the ruling RHDP party.
Kenya’s ant-smuggler bust reveals lucrative underground trade
Two Belgian teenagers were arrested earlier this month at Jane Guesthouse in Naivasha, located near Hell’s Gate National Park, for trafficking ants from giant African harvester colonies
Djibouti gives final notice to migrants without legal status
Migrants in Djibouti without legal status are being told to exit by April as the country addresses rising concerns over safety and public health.
Opposition says S Sudan government targets base near Juba
South Sudan’s opposition claims government attacked their base near Juba as the fragile peace deal continues to unravel.
Kenyan police find two bodies in suspected cult church
Kenyan police found two bodies and rescued 57 people from a church in Migori County in a case that echoes a deadly cult tragedy.
Ivorian court blocks Thiam’s candidacy over dual citizenship
Tidjane Thiam has been removed from the Ivorian voter roll after a court found he held French citizenship during his registration.
Ghana hosts ECOWAS anniversary as leaders reflect on unity
Ghana’s president calls the ECOWAS withdrawals by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger regrettable while stressing dialogue and regional unity.
Nigeria to automate expatriate permits to curb corruption
Previously, applicants had to navigate a cumbersome process involving visits to banks, physical form purchases, and manual document submissions
WFP halts malnutrition treatment in Ethiopia due to funding shortage
Zlatan Milisic, WFP’s Country Director in Ethiopia, stated that the agency’s funding has been significantly reduced by key donors, including the United States, which has imposed cuts in 2025
Burkina Faso thwarts coup plot by rogue soldiers
Burkina Faso’s junta claims it foiled a major coup plot allegedly orchestrated from Ivory Coast involving former army officers and detained soldiers.
DR Congo recalls Pope Francis as defender of the forgotten
Pope Francis’ death deeply moves DR Congo where many recall his 2023 visit and advocacy for peace.
ISWAP releases video proof of violent attacks in two states
Deadly violence erupted in northern Nigeria as ISWAP launched attacks against security forces and Christian communities in two states.
Macron unveils aid plan for cyclone-hit Mayotte
France announces €3.2 billion funding to rebuild Mayotte after Cyclone Chido’s devastation left 40 dead and widespread damage across the archipelago.
Africa mourns Pope Francis, the champion of the continent
The Vatican reports that over the past year, seven million Africans have converted to Catholicism, making the continent one of the fastest-growing regions for the Church
US cuts Africa aid as health, education stall
US funding freezes and embassy closures are threatening development and healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa under the Trump administration.
Risk-taking dating show sparks debate in Ethiopia
In Latey, 25-year-old content creator Bethel Getahun won the affection of 38-year-old Ethiopian-American insurance agent Messiah Hailemeskel, who grew up in Dallas
14-year-old girl killed by lion near Nairobi National Park
The alarm was raised by another teenager, prompting KWS rangers to track the lion’s movements to the Mbagathi River, where they discovered the girl’s remains
Nasir retaken by army in blow to fragile South Sudan power-sharing
South Sudanese troops have regained control of Nasir town in a key offensive that risks reigniting civil war as the power-sharing deal falls apart.
Congo suspends Kabila’s party over alleged rebel support
Kabila, who ruled from 2001 to 2019 and only relinquished power after deadly protests, has expressed a desire to return to Congo to help resolve the ongoing conflict in the region
Indian caught trying to smuggle $2M cash out of Zambia
Authorities in Zambia caught an Indian national trying to move $2.3 million in cash and suspected gold worth $500,000 out of the country.
DR Congo boat disaster kills 33, lower than initial reports
The DR Congo boat fire death toll has been revised to 33, much lower than earlier estimates of 143, with 195 survivors confirmed.
Turkish FM to visit Algeria for strategic talks
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to visit Algeria for key strategic talks on economic and energy cooperation.
More than 100 inmates escape Chad prison after deadly shootout
A deadly prison break in Chad left three dead and the state governor wounded after more than 100 inmates escaped during a violent uprising.
Somali actor in clan revenge film killed in real-life feud
Sadly, the film’s grim message became reality when Geedi was murdered in his own village
Tunisian court jails opposition leaders in alleged plot against state
The opposition has denounced the trial, calling the charges fabricated and describing it as a symbol of President Kais Saied’s increasingly authoritarian rule
Tunisia’s opposition trial could end with a verdict tonight
Defence lawyers criticize Tunisia’s trial of opposition figures, calling it a farce as the verdict approaches.